Canastota Loaves and Fishes has been feeding people for 25 years

CANASTOTA >> The Canastota Loaves and Fishes is celebrating 25 years of service to the community this week.

For the past 25 years, during the last full week of the month, those who need a meal con come together at the kitchen located in the rear of the United Church of Canastota located at 144 Center St. in Canastota.

In 1988, Jessica Moore-Collins, founder of the organization, said that she wanted to do something for the community after the closing of many large factories like General Electric and Carrier in the late 1980s left many in Canastota without jobs.

"We've been here ever since," she said this week as the lunch hour came to a close with a food thermometer in her pocket.

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The last week of every month, free meals are given Monday through Friday from 11:30 to 1 p.m. and a bagged dinner is sent home with those who eat.

Moore-Collins said that on a normal weekday, Loaves and Fishes will feed about 80, but with the bagged dinners added in,the volunteers find themselves making food for at least 160 people. Moore-Collins also adds that during the summer, when children get out of school, the number of people being served rises. During the summer, its nothing to prepare over 200 meals each day.

One hard truth Moore-Collins notices is that since the kitchen began serving the community over 25 years ago, she doesn't think the economy hasn't gotten any better, and the number of people needing a meal has not dwindled.

"I am continually seeing new faces," she said, "It's too hard for them. These people are having a hard time."

The economy has also wreaked havoc on the grant money she is able to secure every year to fund the kitchen.

Local foundations once gave her $3,000 per year are now giving $1,000. So, she finds herself trying to do more with less. She even accepts fresh produce from local gardens and passes it on to those in need. The United Church of Canastota also has a vegetable garden in the summer, and the harvest is shared with whoever wants fresh vegetables.Donations of food have also come from local grocery stores over the years.

"This has helped a lot of people," she said of what she and her fellow volunteers have accomplished.

"We're trying to do as much as we can," she said.

She also noted that it is often hard for people to donate to soup kitchens and food cupboards because then they might go without something, and she is grateful for whatever donations come in.

"We have a lot to be thankful for," she said.

While she said she is proud of the fact that for 25 years, the kitchen has been able to provide meals for those in need, she hopes there is no need for it 25 years from now.

She adds that people come from all over to get a meal. The church is situated in downtown Canastota so that makes it easier to get to. Grant money received goes on credit to Food Bank of Central New York.

Items on the menu for this week included meatloaf, turkey and gravy as well as vegetables and beverages.

"A very nutritious meal," said Moore-Collins.

She said she has always had a motto, and that is, "If you are hungry, you can come and eat no matter who you are."

Moore-Collins, of Canastota, is joined by volunteers: Archie Anderson, of Canastota; Beverly Eddy, of Oneida; Evelyn Downs, of Whitelaw; Fran and Dan Mowers, of Clockville; and even church pastor Sally Buyea pitches in when she can.

If anyone would like to volunteer or make a donation, contact Moore-Collins at 315-363-3876.